Billings' murders don't destroy family

Tori Billings, 12, asks Ashley Markham, 31, where Shadow, a little "Schnoodle" dog is. The girl wants to bring the doggie into the pool for an afternoon swim.

Despite the age difference, Tori always calls Markham by her first name, Ashley.

She can't call her mom, because it's not true.

She can't call her Mrs. Markham, because that would be silly.

You always call your sister by her first name. So Markham is just Ashley to her little sister, Tori. And to her eight other little brothers and sisters — Adrianna, 16; Jacob, 15; Matthew and Ricky, both 14; Nick and Katie, both 12; Ethan, 10; and friendly little Emma, 9.

Ashley Markham is mom to little Jordan though, who will be 3 years old this month.

But to the rest, she's the big sister who has inherited the care of her siblings after the murder of all of their parents — Byrd and Melanie Billings — five years ago this week.

The couple was murdered during a home invasion in Beulah. The little ones — all adopted children with some degree of developmental disability — were home but not physically harmed, though the mental anguish still remains.

"They constantly talk about it," Ashley Markham said at her home — the same home where her parents were killed. Ashley and her husband, James "Blue" Markham, moved into the home after the murder to raise her siblings, some of whom have autism and Down's Syndrome. "They'll see or hear something, and it will trigger a memory, a good memory, and I'll tell them to hold onto those memories. They're important."

There still are pictures of Melanie and Byrd Billings on the wall of the family's spacious, eight-bedroom home, located on 22 picturesque acres filled with ponds, trails and a chicken/rabbit coop that the older kids tend to daily.

In a frame in the hallway is a framed copy of a 2005 Pensacola News Journal article about the big Billings family before the tragic loss of the family's patriarch and matriarch, including a picture of the couple spread out on the floor of their home with the little ones in their laps and at their sides.

"They love that picture," Ashley said, walking toward a side door leading to the pool. "They're always looking at it when they go by."

Outside, the children are in the swimming pool. Now, Tori has Shadow on a float and is pushing him around on the water.

"They're great kids," Ashley said. "I love them."

Big family life

Ashley and Blue were high school sweethearts at Escambia High School, class of 2001, marrying seven years ago.

The couple always dreamed of their own family.

"I thought maybe two or three kids," Blue said.

Not a ball team full of little ones?

"Maybe for a Sunday visit. Not full time."

Now, he's big-brother-in-law to a whole host of youngsters, including little Jordan, the couple's only child.

"He is worshiped by all," Ashley said. "He's the entertainment of the house."

Ashley Markham is all smiles as she and Blue watch the children swim — all are good swimmers, though the little ones still use floaties. You'd think she's be wrinkled and gray at an early age considering the tragedy she endured — and the responsibility she and her husband gladly embraced.

Yes, it's hectic.

"It can be exhausting," she said. "During the school year, I get up at 5:45 (a.m.) and get the younger ones ready," she said. "The older ones sleep a little later. We wake up in stages. It's very strategically planned."

It has gotten easier as the children have grown a bit.

"Everyone is self-sufficient," she said. "We lay out clothes the night before. But they dress themselves, brush their teeth and do everything they're supposed to to get ready."

She works part time at the finance company her parents owned. Her husband runs Markham Automotive on Pace Boulevard.

"We have busy lives," Ashley said. "But I'm a patient person. I can't imagine any other life right now."

Story continues below the photo gallery:

Blue and Ashley Markham in addition to their own child, Jordan, front center, are also the primary care givers to her brothers and sisters (left to right), Tori, Adrianna, Emma, Matthew, Jacob, and Ricky, not in the picture are Nick, Katie, and Ethan. (Photo: Tony Giberson/tgiberson@pnj.com Tony Giberson/tgiberson@pnj.com)

Blue and Ashley Markham in addition to their own child, Jordan, front center, are also the primary care givers to her brothers and sisters (left to right), Tori, Adrianna, Emma, Matthew, Jacob, and Ricky, not in the picture are Nick, Katie, and Ethan. (Photo: Tony Giberson/tgiberson@pnj.com Tony Giberson/tgiberson@pnj.com)

Ashley Markham, left, and her husband Blue, right, keep and eye on Emma, left center, and Jordan, right center, as the two play at the family pool, while sister Tori, far left looks on. (Photo: Tony Giberson/tgiberson@pnj.com Tony Giberson/tgiberson@pnj.com)

Ashley Markham, center, gives her attention to her son Jordan, left center, while her husband, Blue, right, keeps his eye on the rest of the family playing in the family pool. (Photo: Tony Giberson/tgiberson@pnj.com Tony Giberson/tgiberson@pnj.com)

Ashley Markham, far left, cares for not only her own son, Jordan, left, but is also the primary care giver to her brothers and sisters that range in age from 9 to 16. (Photo: Tony Giberson/tgiberson@pnj.com Tony Giberson/tgiberson@pnj.com)

Ashley Markham helps her son, Jordan, into the family pool where her sister, Tori, bottom left, and brother, Matthew, top right, are also playing. (Photo: Tony Giberson/tgiberson@pnj.com Tony Giberson/tgiberson@pnj.com)

Ashley Markham watches her son, Jordan, float around the pool while Ashley's sister, Emma, waits for her turn in the family pool. (Photo: Tony Giberson/tgiberson@pnj.com Tony Giberson/tgiberson@pnj.com)

Blue and Ashley Markham, standing poolside, care for not only their own child, Jordan, but are also the primary caregivers to Ashley's nine special-needs brothers and sisters that range in age from 9 to 16. (Photo: Tony Giberson/tgiberson@pnj.com Tony Giberson/tgiberson@pnj.com)

Blue and Ashley Markham in addition to their own child, Jordan, front center, are also the primary care givers to her brothers and sisters (left to right), Tori, Adrianna, Emma, Matthew, Jacob, and Ricky, not in the picture are Nick, Katie, and Ethan. (Photo: Tony Giberson/tgiberson@pnj.com Tony Giberson/tgiberson@pnj.com)

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The couple does have help, including a nanny, Joy Andress, 21, who comes to the home each day. Melanie Billings' friend April Spencer lives in a guest house next to the Markham's home. Another guest house is occupied by Blue's childhood friend R.J. Lewis and his wife, Lisa Lewis.

The children have plenty of eyes looking over them. But the Markhams have made sure their children do not live in fear.

"None have a problem with being scared," Ashley said. "We go to the cemetery often. They would go more than we do but one or two cry and get upset, and that gets difficult for me. But like I tell everyone, they're resilient. It amazes me what they've gone through and how strong they are now."

'Amazing' parents

Those who know Ashley are amazed and astonished at how strong she has remained. After all, she lost her parents, too. And even though she'll always be their big sister, she does have to fill the maternal roll for the children.

"Her and Blue are both so amazing," said "Nanny Joy," as the children call her. "No matter how tired they are or how much they've been working, they both spend so much time with the kids. They're both so patient."

She has to be. There's so much going on. The flock of youngsters is in the pool, and Ashley is dividing her time between all of them.

"Watch me," one will say while swimming.

"Help me!" says a little one needing help into the pool.

Then, Tiger needs a cleanup. The Labrador retriever walks around the pool with a grin, a big patch of red fruit punch covering his white fur.

"That was Jordan," Ashley said. "He spilled it on Tiger."

She laughed a bit. How could you not?

"The kids are all doing so great," she said. "We have teenagers now, which means fighting and messing with each other. They're all in school. They can be lazy like any kids. They have chores to do. Regular kids."

'A better life'

It was her parents love of children that has helped Ashley do what needs to be done to keep her family together. Ashley had a biological sister, Nikki Billings, who died in 2008. She had developmental disabilities as well, and the Billings originally adopted children to share their love, as well as give Nikki more siblings.

But never did they think their family would grow so large.

"It just happened," Byrd said in a 2005 News Journal article about the family.

Melanie began to search for children with disabilities because she wanted a companion for Nikki. But it became a mission to care for children with no one else to care for them.

"I just wanted to give them a better life," Melanie said in 2005.

Blue and Ashley have even started a charity golf tournament in the Billings honor that raises money for local organizations that assist children, such as Autism Pensacola and the Westgate School.

The golf tournament already has raised $10,000 for local organizations. The next charity tournament is in September.

The public closely followed the intense investigation into the Crime of the Decade.

2009

2010

2011

2012

2013

2014

2015

July 9, 2009

The crime

The Billingses are shot to death in the bedroom of their isolated home in the 9700 block of Mobile Highway in Beulah. Five men -- some armed, all dressed in black "ninja garb" -- enter the two-story, nine-bedroom home through multiple doors at about 7:30 p.m. Three exit a red van and enter near the front of the home; a driver remains in the van. Two emerge from the woods behind the home and enter an unlocked utility door near the back of the home. A driver remains in a sport utility vehicle.

The attackers spend 10 minutes total at the Billings property, four minutes inside the home. A safe is taken. Nine millimeter shell casings are found inside the home. Byrd and Melanie Billings each are shot multiple times.

Three of the nine children home at the time see the intruders. One of the children left the home to get help after the intruders left. A neighbor called 911.

July 10, 2009

The investigation begins

Sheriff David Morgan asks the public to be on the lookout for a red, 15-passenger van. The late-model van was spotted at the home on surveillance tape from the Billings family's extensive security system. The tape shows three men getting out of the van and entering the home.

July 11, 2009

Red van is found

Kathryn Colbert, 78, reports to the Escambia County Sheriff's Office that a red van parked across the street from her Palm Court home resembles the van shown in the video. Colbert says she saw the van in the yard of her neighbor, Leonard Patrick Gonzalez Sr., 56.

Sheriff's deputies find the 1982 Dodge van at Gonzalez Sr.'s home in the 300 block of Palm Court near W Street and Beverly Parkway. She tells police that she also saw three men get into a red or maroon sport utility vehicle and quickly leave the Gonzalez home that morning.

July 12, 2009

'A humdinger'

Leonard Patrick Gonzalez Jr., 35, of Gulf Breeze, and Wayne Thomas Coldiron, 41, of Pensacola, are charged with open counts of murder in the Billingses' deaths. Gonzalez Sr., left, is charged with tampering with evidence. Investigators indicate he repainted the van and tried to hide damage to the rear of the vehicle so it would be less recognizable. Gonzalez Sr. admits to being the person who drove the red van to the Billings' home. Gonzalez Sr. also tells deputies that his son and Coldiron entered the home armed.

Gonzalez Jr, also known as Patrick Poff, has a criminal record that includes home invasion and battery with a firearm, robbery, forgery and grand theft. He is referred to as the organizer of the crime. Gonzalez Jr. had prominence in Gulf Breeze as the owner of Project FIGHTBACK, a self-defense program aimed at teaching children to ward off bullies and would-be predators. He also gave self-defense training to women and other groups.

Escambia County Sheriff David Morgan says of the investigation, "It's going to be a humdinger."

July 13, 2009

Caught on video

Gary Lamont Sumner, 31, is charged with open counts of murder. He has been in the Okaloosa County Jail since July 12, having been arrested on a charge of driving on an expired license after a traffic stop.

Sheriff Morgan releases more video from the Billingses' security system. It shows two men, dressed in black, running through the woods and entering through an unlocked back door. He also confirms that a second vehicle, a sport utility vehicle, was parked on the north side of the house during the commission of the crime.

July 14, 2009

'No hard evidence'

Sheriff Morgan announces the arrests of three additional people. They are: Frederick Thornton Jr, 19; Donald Ray Stallworth, 28; and Rakeen Florence, 16. That brings the total number of people arrested to seven.

Morgan says the link among these people is Gonzalez Sr.'s pressure washing business. He says Gonzalez Sr. has worked at the Billingses' home and that Coldiron had gone to the home while working for Gonzelez Sr. The other suspects had worked for Gonzalez Sr. at various points in time. He also says that some of the suspects have worked at an auto detailing shop, the Fifth Dimension, in Fort Walton Beach and are acquainted with Gonazlez Jr. Two open counts of murder are added to Gonzalez Sr.'s charges.

At a court appearance, Gonzalez Jr., left, proclaims his innocence, saying the case against him relies on the words of a mentally ill man - apparently his father. "With the exception of the statements that have made, coerced, bullied or manipulated out of a mentally ill person, there is no hard evidence that links me to the scene of the crimes that occurred July 9," he says. Escambia County Judge Thomas Johnson denies his request to be released on his own recognizance.

July 15, 2009

'The Classy Lady'

Pamela Long Wiggins, 47, of Gulf Breeze, is charged as an accessory after the fact to felony murder. Orange Beach, Ala., police find her at her 47-foot yacht, The Classy Lady, at the Wharf Marina. Wiggins owns at least nine properties in Gulf Breeze and Pensacola Beach, according to the Santa Rosa County Property Appraiser records. An arrest report indicates that guns used in the crime and the safe taken from the Billingses' home were found in a red vehicle owned by Wiggins and parked near her business, Magnolia Antique Mall on U.S. 98 at Hickory Shore Drive east of Tiger Point.

July 16, 2009

The buried safe

Wiggins is released on $10,000 bond. Court documents reveal that Hugh Wiggins, Pamela's husband, told investigators the safe from the Billings home was buried in the backyard of Wiggins' Ramblewood Drive home in Gulf Breeze. Prosecutors say her bond was lower than the seven other defendants' because her alleged crime is less severe and she is cooperating with authorities, according to Assistant State Attorney Greg Marcille. Investigators also say they still are searching for two "persons of interest" connected to the case.

Also on July 16 hundreds of people pay their respects during the visitation for Byrd and Melanie Billings at Liberty Church on South Blue Angel Parkway. They are remembered by those in attendance for their love of each other and their family. Church administrators say they expect 1,200 people to attend the funeral the next day.

July 17, 2009

Laid to rest

Mourners pack Liberty Church for the Billingses' funeral. Before the service, Crystal Spencer, the family's lawyer, reveals the contents of the safe stolen from the home to end "intense speculation and rumors that are swirling." Spencer says the safe contained children's prescription medication, important family documents and some jewelry of sentimental value.

All seven male suspects are indicted on two counts of first-degree murder and one count of home invasion in connection to the shooting deaths and robbery of Byrd and Melanie Billings.

An eighth suspect not charged in the killings, Pamela Long Wiggins, 47, of Gulf Breeze is charged with a first-degree felony count of accessory after the fact.

October 12, 2009

Death penalty sought

The State Attorney's Office announces that it plans to seek the death penalty against four of the eight suspects in the deaths of Byrd and Melanie Billings. The office plans to seek the death penalty against Leonard Gonzalez Jr., 35; Wayne Coldiron, 41; Donnie Stallworth Jr., 28; and Frederick Thornton Jr. 19.

January 28, 2010

Thornton pleads no contest

Frederick Thornton Jr. pleads no contest to second-degree murder charges. His plea means he will avoid the death penalty.

May 12, 2010

The youngest suspect

The youngest suspect in the murders of Byrd and Melanie Billings, Rakeen Florence, enters a plea as part of a deal that will see him testify against his co-defendants.

October 25, 2010

Gonzalez Jr. trial begins

The first trial in the Billings killings begins. Leonard Patrick Gonzalez Jr., the karate instructor charged with leading a group of armed men dressed as ninjas in robbing the home of a wealthy couple and killing the pair as their nine special-needs children cowered or slept nearby, could get the death penalty if convicted.

October 29, 2010

Guilty

Leonard Gonzalez Jr. found guilty on two counts of first-degree murder.

February 17, 1011

Sentenced to death

It is announced that Leonard Gonzalez Jr. is to be sentenced to death for the first-degree murders.

April 10, 2014

Conviction, death sentence confirmed

Gonzalez's conviction and sentence of death were affirmed on direct appeal by the Florida Supreme Court.